Question

Define class in your own words.

a) A group who shares a common social status based on factors like wealth, income, education, and occupation
b) A group who shares common social attributes such as race, age, and sex
c) A system in which people are born into a social standing that they will retain their entire lives
d) Customs and behaviors that cannot be changed, they are ascribed at birth

Answer 1

Class refers to a social grouping based on shared socioeconomic factors such as wealth, income, education, and occupation. It allows for social mobility, which distinguishes it from caste systems, and contributes to social stratification.

Step-by-step explanation:

In sociological terms, class refers to a group who shares a common social status based on factors such as wealth, income, education, and occupation. A class system is characterized by the ability of individuals to move between different social statuses or classes, known as social mobility. This system is distinct from a caste system, where social standing is typically ascribed at birth and change is not encouraged or often possible. The class system is an open structure that allows for shifts in socioeconomic status through personal accomplishments and societal changes. In modern societies like the United States, class is largely determined by individual achievement and economic status, which can impact one's access to resources and power.

Moreover, the class traits, such as behaviors, customs, and norms, help define and distinguish different social classes. This can often lead to patterns of consumption and interaction that are unique to each social class. In the context of social stratification, class forms an essential component, categorizing people into tiers based on social factors as well as individual achievements.